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CMAT 2026 Exam: Registration Fees and Process
Are you planning to take the CMAT exam? With over 75,000 candidates appearing each year, the CMAT stands as a major gateway for aspiring MBA students like you.
Over 1,300 Business schools (both Government and Private) accept the CMAT score. Here, you'll discover everything needed to navigate the CMAT registration process smoothly, from the CMAT exam fees to taking the exam successfully.
What is CMAT?
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is your gateway to management programs across India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) since 2019 (originally launched by AICTE in 2012), this national-level entrance examination paves the way for admission into a wide range of management courses. The official portal is cmat.nta.nic.in.
Unlike most other management entrance exams, CMAT is a computer-based online test designed to test your skills in several critical areas.
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning
- Language Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship (optional 5th section)
If you're aiming for top-tier management programs that accept CMAT, explore the top MBA colleges in India to identify institutions that align with your career goals.
CMAT Exam 2026: Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| CMAT Full Form | Common Management Admission Test |
| Exam Level | National |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Duration | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Exam Pattern | Four compulsory sections (Quantitative Techniques & DI, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness) of 20 questions each plus an optional 5th section on Innovation & Entrepreneurship of 20 questions. |
| Number of Questions | 100 (or 120 with Innovation & Entrepreneurship) |
| Marking Scheme | +4 per correct answer; -1 per incorrect answer |
| Courses Offered |
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| CMAT 2026 Exam Fee |
|
| CMAT Official Portal | https://cmat.nta.nic.in/ |
CMAT 2026: Key Dates
The most recent CMAT cycle was held on 25 January 2026, with results declared on 17 February 2026. The next CMAT cycle (CMAT 2027) is expected to follow a similar timeline. Aspirants should track cmat.nta.nic.in for the bulletin.
| Event | CMAT 2026 Dates |
|---|---|
| CMAT 2026 Registration Start Date | 17 October 2025 |
| CMAT 2026 Registration Last Date | 24 November 2025 |
| Form Correction Window | Late November 2025 |
| CMAT 2026 Admit Card Release Date | 21 January 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Exam Date | 25 January 2026 (single shift) |
| Provisional Answer Key | 31 January 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Result | 17 February 2026 |
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How to Register for the CMAT Exam?
Understanding each step in detail, including the CMAT exam fees, is crucial.
Online Registration for CMAT
1. Visit the Website
Go to the official CMAT-NTA portal at https://cmat.nta.nic.in/. Then, click on the registration link for the latest CMAT cycle.
2. Fill in Your Details
Enter your name, date of birth, city, email ID, password, and mobile phone number.
3. OTP Verification
Enter the OTP received on your mobile number and login.
4. Application Number
A unique 12-digit application number will be displayed; note this down for future reference.
Filling the CMAT Application Form
1. Log in
Enter your CMAT application number and password to log in.
2. Enter Academic Details
Provide your academic information in the designated fields.
3. Personal Information and Test Cities
Enter other personal details and choose your preferred test cities.
4. Verification and Submission
Double-check the information for accuracy and submit the CMAT application form.
Upload Required Documents
- Passport Size Photograph: 10 kb to 200 kb (JPG/JPEG).
- Scanned Signature: 4 kb to 30 kb (JPG/JPEG).
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable): 50 kb to 300 kb (JPG/JPEG).
Pay the CMAT Exam Fee
| Category | CMAT 2026 Exam Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / OBC-NCL (Male) | INR 2,000 |
| General / EWS / OBC-NCL (Female) | INR 1,000 |
| SC, ST, PwBD (Male) | INR 1,000 |
| SC, ST, PwBD (Female) | INR 1,000 |
| Third Gender | INR 1,000 |
Choosing a Test City for CMAT
Selection of Test Cities
Select up to four preferred test cities from the list on the application form. CMAT 2026 was conducted in 110 cities at 259 centres.
Finalisation
Once submitted, the test city choice is final and cannot be changed.
Admit Card Information
The chosen exam centre and test city details will be provided on the CMAT admit card.
Completion and Confirmation
After paying the CMAT exam fee, download the fee acknowledgement page as proof of successful registration.
How to Download the CMAT Admit Card?
The CMAT admit card is released about 3-4 days before the exam (CMAT 2026 admit card was released on 21 January 2026). To download it:
- Go to the official CMAT-NTA portal.
- Find and select the 'CMAT Admit Card' tab.
- Provide your CMAT application number and date of birth.
- Input the security pin and click on 'Login.'
- Click on the admit card link and download the PDF file.
CMAT Answer Key
The NTA releases the CMAT answer key so you can check your performance. To download it:
- Go to the cmat.nta.nic.in portal.
- Click on the login option.
- Enter your application number and password.
- Click on 'Answer Key' to download it.
If you find a mistake in the answer key, you can raise an objection by filling an online form and paying INR 200 per question within the official objection window.
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Key Documents Required for CMAT Registration
Here are the documents required for CMAT registration.
- Class 10 Marksheet
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Graduation Marksheet
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
- Signature of the Candidate — on white paper, ideally in black ink.
- Recent Passport-Size Photo — preferably against a white background.
- Payment Details — debit/credit card or net banking.
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Eligibility Criteria for CMAT Exam
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizens (NRIs/PIOs/OCIs may apply per latest NTA bulletin). |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years duration) in any discipline from a recognised university or institute. |
| Minimum Marks | No minimum % is prescribed by NTA for appearing in CMAT; accepting institutes typically require 50% (General) and 45% (Reserved) for admission. |
| Final Year Students | Eligible to apply but must submit graduation certificates and results during admission. |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit. |
Also Read: Entrance Exams for MBA in India 2026-27: Dates, Fees, and Eligibility
CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The CMAT exam tests a range of skills across five sections (four compulsory plus one optional).
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Sections | 4 compulsory + 1 optional (Innovation & Entrepreneurship) |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (Online) |
| Number of Questions | 100 (or 120 with optional section) |
| Total Marks | 400 (or 480 with optional section) |
| Language of Paper | English |
CMAT Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Break-Up
| CMAT Sections | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship (optional) | 20 | 80 |
CMAT Marking Scheme
| Status of Answer | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +4 |
| Wrong Answer | -1 |
| Blank Question | No Deduction |
Key Points to Remember:
- Attempting the Innovation & Entrepreneurship section is optional; some accepting institutes consider it in evaluation, others don't.
- The exam is fully computer-based; rough sheets are provided.
- Rough paper must be left at the desk before leaving the exam hall.
Also Read: MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus 2026: Topics and Tips
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CMAT Exam: Detailed Syllabus
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | Tests mathematical skills and data analysis. Includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics, and DI tasks on tables, graphs, and charts. |
| Logical Reasoning | Puzzles and scenarios — sequence finding, logical matching, pattern recognition. |
| Language Comprehension | Reading comprehension passages, vocabulary, and grammar corrections. |
| General Awareness | Current events and factual information in business, economics, and politics, with awareness of national and international affairs. |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship (optional) | Tests understanding of entrepreneurial concepts, startup ecosystem, and innovation-related GK. |
CMAT Exam Cut-Offs
A score between 250 and 300 (out of 400) usually secures a seat in preferred MBA colleges.
Indicative percentile-to-score mapping
| CMAT Percentile | Indicative Score (/400) |
|---|---|
| 99.5 | 305 |
| 99 | 295 |
| 95 | 262 |
| 90 | 245 |
| 80 | 215 |
| 70 | 195 |
Category-wise indicative cut-off (percentile)
| Category | Indicative CMAT Cutoff Percentile |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 95 |
| Reserved (SC/ST/OBC-NCL) | 75 |
| PwBD | 75 |
Colleges Accepting 90 Percentile and Above
| Institute Name | Cut-off Percentile (Indicative) |
|---|---|
| JBIMS, Mumbai | 99.9+ |
| Goa Institute of Management | 95-99 |
| KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai | 95-99 |
| SIMSREE, Mumbai | 99+ |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | 95-99 |
| University of Pune, Dept of Management Sciences | 95-99 |
| Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi | 95 |
Note: CMAT 2026 was held on 25 January 2026 in a single shift across 110 cities and 259 centres. The result was declared by NTA on 17 February 2026 for 41,872 candidates on cmat.nta.nic.in.
CMAT Exam Day Checklist
| Checklist Item | Details |
|---|---|
| CMAT Admit Card | A4-size printout required. Bring valid ID proof. Verify name, roll number, DOB, exam date/time, reporting time, and centre. Paste a recent passport-size photograph. |
| Required Documents | Government-issued photo ID (PAN, Driving Licence, Voter ID, Passport, Aadhaar with photo, e-Aadhaar, Ration Card). Bring two passport-size photographs. |
| Unacceptable ID Proofs | School/College/Coaching ID cards, Aadhaar enrollment receipt without Aadhaar number, digital or photocopies of ID proofs. |
| Special Provisions for Reserved Categories | SC/ST: attested caste certificate. PwBD: disability and scribe certificates attested by a competent authority. |
| What Not to Bring | Wristwatches, mobile phones, calculators, electronic items, and personal belongings are prohibited. Rough paper is provided at the centre. |
| Stationery and Other Items | Blue ballpoint pen for the attendance sheet and a transparent water bottle. |
| Arrival and Entry | Arrive per the reporting time on admit card; gates close 30 minutes before the exam. |
By following the exam-day guidelines, you can improve your chances of a high score. With diligent preparation, a strategic approach, and awareness of the CMAT exam fees, you can begin a successful journey towards your management career aspirations.
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